In New Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah subtly suggested the potential withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from Jammu and Kashmir, where it currently holds sway. During an interview with the JK Media Group, Shah also disclosed intentions to retract military personnel from the Union Territory (UT), entrusting law enforcement solely to the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
“We are strategizing to recall troops, entrusting law enforcement solely to the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Historically, the Jammu and Kashmir police lacked credibility, but presently, they are spearheading operations,” he remarked. Regarding the contentious AFSPA, the home minister remarked, “We are contemplating the possibility of repealing AFSPA.”
The AFSPA confers sweeping powers upon armed forces personnel operating in tumultuous areas, authorizing search, arrest, and even gunfire if deemed necessary for “the maintenance of public order.” Disturbed areas or districts are notified under the AFSPA to facilitate military operations.
Shah previously noted the removal of AFSPA from 70 percent of areas in northeastern states, contrasting its continued enforcement in J-K. Various organizations and individuals in J-K and northeastern states have called for the repeal of AFSPA. Shah pledged assembly elections in J-K before September.
“Establishing democracy in Jammu and Kashmir is a commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and it shall be honored. However, this democracy will not be oligarchic but rather a democracy of the people,” he affirmed. The Supreme Court mandated assembly polls in the UT before September.
Addressing issues surrounding the reservation of SCs, STs, and OBCs, Shah highlighted the Modi government’s landmark inclusion of OBCs in J-K’s reservation policies, along with granting women one-third reservation.
“OBC reservations have been extended to panchayats and urban local bodies. We have ensured representation for SCs and STs. While safeguarding the interests of Gujjars and Bakarwals, Pahadis have been allocated 10 percent reservation. Furthermore, special provisions have been instituted for displaced individuals from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir,” he elaborated.
The government is steadfast in ensuring these benefits reach grassroots levels, Shah asserted. He accused National Conference (NC) leader Farooq Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti of attempting to incite discord over these reservations, alleging their motives have been laid bare.
“Why did the NC not address these reservation concerns over the past 75 years? Abdullah absconded to England during the height of terrorism. Both Abdullah and Mehbooba lack credibility on this matter,” he contended.
“The frequency of fabricated encounters during their tenure remains unmatched,” Shah claimed. He emphasized the absence of such incidents in the last five years, asserting perpetrators of fake encounters have been prosecuted.
“We are committed to engaging with Kashmiri youths, not with organizations tethered to Pakistan. These entities are culpable for the deaths of 40,000 youths,” he declared. The Modi government has proscribed 12 organizations for involvement in terror activities, designated 36 individuals as terrorists, and initiated over 22 cases to curb terror financing, seizing properties valued at Rs 150 crore.
Ninety properties have been seized, and 134 bank accounts frozen, Shah revealed. “We have embraced peace, a commodity unattainable through monetary means. Dialogue must adhere to constitutional bounds,” he insisted. Shah dismissed the Hurriyat Conference’s relevance in the dialogue process, affirming the BJP and Parliament’s consensus on POK’s status as integral to India.
“Both Muslim and Hindu brethren in POK are Indians, and the land unlawfully occupied by Pakistan rightfully belongs to India. Every Indian, including Kashmiris, aspires for its retrieval,” he affirmed. Notably, incidents of stone-pelting, once numbering 2564 in 2010, have plummeted to zero.
Terror incidents decreased from 7217 (2004-2014) to 2227 (2014-2023), constituting a 70 percent reduction, Shah cited. Fatalities dropped from 2829 (2004-2014) to 915 (2014-2023), representing a 68 percent decrease. Civilian deaths decreased by 81 percent, from 1770 to 341, and security forces’ fatalities reduced by 46 percent, from 1060 to 574.
Such substantial transformations are unattainable sans public support, Shah emphasized. “Those who invoke Islam must acknowledge that 85 percent of the deceased were Muslims,” he noted. Shah urged J-K youths to resist Pakistan’s machinations, portraying Kashmir as a utopia despite its internal strife.
“Today, Pakistan grapples with destitution and famine, while Kashmir remains an oasis. Prime Minister Modi is the harbinger of Kashmir’s salvation,” he concluded. The Modi government’s initiative to provide employment to martyrs’ families underscores its commitment to bolstering security forces’ morale. “No martyr’s family is left bereft of employment today,” he affirmed.